Glptm. Giant 'Rhein Moonlight' out of fashion?

[bethmarie]

I feel silly asking, but do orchids just go out of style? New ones get popular, and sellers don't offer older ones anymore? been searching for a glptm. rhein moonlight and there doesn't seem to be one for sale ANYWHERE.

[Oscarman]

As breeding advances, many old hybrids pass out of favor and are just not grown anymore. I notice this more with Cattleyas, as there are many old hybrids/clones that I would buy and grow in a heartbeat. It's really sad that they disappear.

Good luck on your quest though, we all have one!

[RosieC]

It happens (at least here in Europe) that breeders flood the market with a certain hybrid and every nursery seems to have it. Then a few years later you can't find it anywhere as they have moved on to something else. Sometimes they do come back to old ones again.

I was told this when trying to replace a Paph I had killed. The nurseries said they just couldn't get it any more and explained that because thousands of plants are produced from a batch of seed it tends to go in waves like that.

[orchidsarefun]

orchids are now in the throw-away society like many other flowering plants. You are lucky to find a named variety at a big box store these days.
It's the hobbyist that keeps the old crosses going. I found a Phal Zuma Aussie Delight at an orchid show, it was a division that a hobbyist was selling. Try and find that one elsewhere !
But it is a problem. Orchids generally only have a 10 year life span ( at least that is what I was told by an expert ), so if someone is not propagating it, then that grex is gone forever after 10 years. However, on the plus side, if its a cross between 2 species, then its possible to redo the cross.You just have to find someone to do it !

BTW - I can't even find your wishlist orchid in OrchidWiz !

[Leafmite]

Definitely don't read older articles/books that discuss 'that perfect hybrid orchid'. The orchid is nowhere to be found! If you see one, buy it immediately as you may never again lay eyes on it.

[BettyE]

It's sad but true, orchids do go "in & out" of style. It is also true that hobbyists keep some of the old ones going! For instance, I grow a large cattleya called: Irene Holguin "Brown Eyes." Also, bc. Fuchs Star is an oldie and i like it so much that I made it my avatar. It's fragrant, also. BettyE.

[dounoharm]

orchids live much longer than 10 years, i have a bc i have been growing for over 30 years, and it is still strong after many divisions.....i have many other of the oldies, i tend to collect the old ones.....gl

[Oscarman]

Betty, I also have Cattleya Irene Holguin 'Brown Eyes' AM/AOS and I love it, great flowers and grower. Mine showed off with 2 large flowers and completed a new fat pseudobulb.

I was able to find your plant in OrchidWiz. It is an interesting hybrid and not that old. Galeopetalum Giant 'Rhein Moonlight' AM/AOS. the cross was registered in 2005.

[bethmarie]

I found a greenhouse that sells zygos, so I should be able to find something similar to the orchid I've been searching for. If any of you ever end up with an extra Rhein Moonlight, let me know. I'm in! Money is no object. (well, it is, but I do love that line)

[orchidsarefun]

Originally Posted by bethmarie

I found a greenhouse that sells zygos, so I should be able to find something similar to the orchid I've been searching for. If any of you ever end up with an extra Rhein Moonlight, let me know. I'm in! Money is no object. (well, it is, but I do love that line)

I have a zygo Rhein Harlequin x Blue Blazes that I got from Hausermann's. I like it so much that I have a seed pod at the lab, waiting to hear if there was germination. Call Hausermann's in Chicago - they may have what you are looking for.

In my OrchidWiz Express your orchid is just listed as Galeopetalum Giant ( Zygo Artur Elle x Galeottia Grandiflorum )